Facing Homicide Charges? You Need the Best Defense.
We specialize in homicide defense, providing unwavering support and expert legal strategies to navigate complex cases.
Homicide Defense Attorney in Metro Detroit, Michigan
Charged with Homicide or Under Investigation?
Few accusations are more serious than homicide. A conviction can mean decades in prison – and in some cases, a potential life sentence.
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with murder or manslaughter in Michigan, you need an experienced trial lawyer who knows
how to challenge the State’s story from day one.
At Somberg Law, PLLC, we defend people facing the most serious criminal charges in Metro Detroit and across Michigan.
Attorney Nicholas Somberg is a trial lawyer who is not afraid to take a case in front of a jury when your freedom and future are on the line.
Call our office immediately if you learn you’re a suspect, are contacted by detectives, or have already been charged.
Types of Homicide Charges in Michigan
“Homicide” is a broad term covering several different offenses under Michigan law. The specific charge you face will depend on
the facts, the prosecutor’s theory, and your prior record, if any. Common charges include:
- First-Degree Premeditated Murder – Alleged intentional killing with premeditation and deliberation.
- Felony Murder – A killing that occurs during the commission of certain felonies (such as armed robbery or home invasion).
- Second-Degree Murder – Intentional or extremely reckless killing without premeditation.
- Voluntary Manslaughter – Killing in the “heat of passion” arising from adequate provocation.
- Involuntary Manslaughter – Unintentional killing caused by gross negligence or reckless behavior.
- OWI Causing Death – Death resulting from alleged drunk or drugged driving.
The difference between these offenses often comes down to intent, state of mind, and the specific facts. Those details can be
the difference between a life sentence and a far lesser charge – or an acquittal.
How Somberg Law Builds a Homicide Defense
Homicide cases are complex, technical, and often emotional. We approach them aggressively and strategically. When we take on a homicide case, we may:
- Investigate the scene and evidence – Review police reports, body cam footage, 911 calls, and forensic testing.
- Challenge identification – Attack unreliable eyewitness identifications, suggestive lineups, and flawed assumptions.
- Use experts when needed – Work with medical examiners, forensic specialists, ballistics experts, and use-of-force experts.
- Develop self-defense or defense-of-others claims – Present evidence that you were justified under Michigan law.
- Attack the State’s narrative – Expose inconsistencies, missing evidence, alternative suspects, and holes in the timeline.
- Fight pretrial motions – Move to suppress illegal searches, coerced statements, or improper identification procedures.
From the moment you hire Somberg Law, our focus is on protecting your rights, controlling the narrative, and positioning you for
the best possible outcome – whether that’s a dismissal, reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.
Potential Penalties for Homicide in Michigan
The stakes in a homicide case are extremely high. Depending on the charge and your record, penalties may include:
- First-degree murder – Life in prison.
- Second-degree murder – Up to life in prison or a term of years.
- Manslaughter or OWI causing death – A lengthy prison term, often measured in decades, along with fines and other consequences.
In addition to prison, a conviction can mean lifetime felony status, loss of civil rights, and a permanent record that affects
employment, housing, and family relationships. That’s why it’s critical to have a trial lawyer who is comfortable in front of juries and
who will not simply push you into the first plea offer.
What To Do If You’re Being Investigated for Homicide
If police or detectives have reached out to you about a death investigation, you are already in a dangerous position. Anything you say
can and will be used against you later. Protect yourself by:
- Politely declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Not volunteering to “clear things up” in an interview room.
- Avoiding conversations about the case over text, social media, or jail calls.
- Contacting Somberg Law as soon as possible before you speak with law enforcement.
The earlier we get involved, the more options you may have. In some cases, early intervention can affect the charges that are filed –
or whether charges are filed at all.
FAQs
Your Guide to Homicide and Self-Defense Questions
Homicide refers to the act of one person killing another. It can be classified into various categories such as murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide. Each category has different legal implications and potential penalties depending on intent and circumstances surrounding the act.
Self-defense is the legal right to use reasonable force to protect oneself from harm. To successfully claim self-defense, one must demonstrate that they had a reasonable belief they were in imminent danger of being harmed.
Yes, homicide charges can be challenged through various legal strategies, including demonstrating lack of intent, proving self-defense, or questioning the evidence against you. Legal representation is crucial for navigating these defenses effectively.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills someone in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel. It typically carries lesser penalties than murder, reflecting the absence of premeditation.
Justifiable homicide refers to killings that occur under circumstances no law can punish. Examples include situations where a person kills an intruder in their home or when law enforcement acts in self-defense or to uphold the law.
Common defense strategies in homicide cases include self-defense, insanity, and provocation. Each strategy depends on the specifics of the case and requires careful consideration of evidence and legal precedents.
Involuntary manslaughter is when someone kills another person without intention, often due to reckless behavior or negligence. It can occur in cases of accidental deaths arising from unlawful acts.
Sentencing for homicide can be influenced by several factors including the type of homicide, prior criminal history, circumstances of the crime, and state-specific laws. Judges have discretion in imposing sentences based on these factors.
Character evidence can sometimes be introduced in homicide trials, particularly to establish the defendant’s peaceful character or support claims of self-defense. However, its admissibility depends on the details of the case.
The legal consequences of homicide can include significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The specific penalties vary based on factors like the type of homicide and the defendant’s history.
Intent plays a crucial role in homicide cases. The prosecution must often prove intent to demonstrate the severity of the charges, such as distinguishing between murder and manslaughter.
Finding a good attorney involves researching their experience, specialties, and client reviews. It’s also important to have consultations to ensure the attorney is a good fit for your case and can advocate effectively.
